Google I/O 2022 set for May 18 — Android 12, Pixel 5a and more

Google I/O 2021 set for May 18 — Android 12, Pixel 5a and more than

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

It's almost that fourth dimension of year, where Google fans everywhere get together for the yearly I/O developers' conference. This is where we hear well-nigh new Android and Chrome Os news and sometimes become to see hardware announcements, besides.

After cancelling last yr'southward conference, Google is continuing to observe COVID-nineteen safety guidelines with the 2021 edition of Google I/O. The developers conference takes place virtually from May 18 to xx, and it will be gratuitous to everyone. You can expect to hear news about Android 12 for sure, and maybe some tidbits about the Pixel 5a and/or the Pixel Buds A.

Android 12: Everything you need to know!
Pixel 5a: What we know and then far

And then the countdown to side by side calendar month's Google I/O begins! Hither'southward what we know and then far going into Google I/O 2021.

Google I/O 2021: Android 12

android 12 developer preview — (Prototype credit: Shutterstock)

The star of the show volition probably be Android 12, with Google previewing new features, APIs, betas, and all the stuff that thrills Android developers. Nearly Android fans will want to pay attention to the keynote that kicks off the conference, as that'due south where Google usually highlights what information technology'due south doing with the next version of its software.

As for what we know about Android 12, we've had some time with the two Programmer Previews that Google has released for Pixels. Not simply is at that place a lot nether the hood in terms of improvements and additions, only the biggest change is the new notification UI.

Right now by installing the Android 12 Developer Preview, you tin can get a sense of taste for what's coming. The beta software includes new animations and transitions for the notification shade, and it looks pretty nice.

android 12 developer preview notification ui — Android 12 Developer Preview notification UI (Epitome credit: Tom'south Guide)

Rumor as well has it that Android 12 might include a theming system, something that Android fans take wanted for years. Basically, that would allow you to apply preset colour palettes to the system as whole. And if app developers support it, this color scheme could apply to other apps too.

Other large Android 12 changes include a defended i-handed fashion baked into the Os itself (other telephone makers have implemented their own), face-based auto rotate, more responsive notifications, and the possible render of the double tap on the back of the telephone.

Google I/O 2021: Pixel 5a

And so far, we're pretty sure that the Pixel 5a is coming this bound. Several leaks, including renders, have popped upwards in the final few months surround the new budget phone, which figures to replicate its predecessor, the Pixel 4a.

Google Pixel 5a front and back pointing diagonally upwards — (Paradigm credit: Steve Hemmerstoffer/Voice)

We expect that the Pixel 5a volition continue in the 4a'southward legacy by offer one of the best camera experiences for less than $400. It'll come with the cleanest Android experience available, the no-frills Pixel experience Google is loved for.

We're not certain which arrangement-on-chip the Pixel 5a will use, though we'd imagine either the Snapdragon 732 or possibly the Snapdragon 690 from concluding twelvemonth, which offered a low-cost 5G modem. The Pixel 4a was successful because of its toll-to-performance ratio, and nosotros don't imagine Google wants to break what worked.

Google I/O 2021: Pixel Buds A

This one is a recent evolution, just we expect to hear something about the Pixel Buds A, a new pair of truly wireless earbuds from Google. These were accidentally leaked past Google itself in a striking dark green colorway.

Google Pixel Buds A — (Image credit: 9to5Google)

Though we don't know much about a timeline for these earbuds, nosotros think Google I/O would be a not bad time for the company to announce the new product. Information technology would brand sense to do so alongside the Pixel 5a.

Nosotros're hoping the "A" moniker means that these new Pixel Buds will be cheaper than their predecessor while still offer a compelling set of features.

Google I/O 2021: Chrome Bone

At this bespeak, we don't know what Google will reveal about its Chrome OS plans. Previous I/O conferences accept given us Android apps that ran on Chrome, Linux integration, and and then much more that we can't list everything. Particularly since there was no I/O concluding year, nosotros think there'southward plenty of Chrome OS/Chromebook news to come this year.

Google I/O 2021 outlook

We didn't get a Google I/O in 2020 due the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the company has a lot to catch up on this year. As we've stated above, Android 12 is likely to exist the star of the show, though we're sure that we'll hear about Chrome OS, also.

But don't be surprised if Google takes the wraps off the Pixel 5a and Pixel Buds A. Because that we think the new budget phone volition launch sometime in June, we're hoping that Google will talk nearly it at I/O.

And then mark your calendars for May 18 to twenty, because it'southward going to exist a decorated few days.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, roofing all things phone-related. He'south written about phones for over five years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than than relaxing in his home with a volume, game, or his latest personal writing project. Hashemite kingdom of jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Jordan tends to lurk on social media, merely you can all-time accomplish him on Twitter.